Ouch, what a Price! Drew Carey left wincing by S.A.’s Verreos

If Drew Carey seems to be talking in a higher voice on CBS’ “The Price is Right” next week, an overeager contestant from San Antonio may be to blame.

Rita Verreos, who’s also known for her stint on “Survivor: Fiji,” got so excited when she priced a drum/acoustic guitar set correctly that she jumped on Carey and seemed to knee the host in the groin, causing him to bend over and wince in pain.

Verreos apologized and hugged Carey as if to comfort him, but was so caught up in the thrill of her win – the prize was valued at over $3,000 – she didn’t seem to notice Carey’s continued distress.

“I’m still not sure I kneed him. It just looks that way because of the angle. He was bent over from before when I jumped on his back,” she said.

In any event, Verreos is glad she’ll get the chance to apologize to Carey once again, after “Inside Edition” comes calling. She said the newsmagazine show found the clip of her and Carey such a scream that a producer rang up Verreos today to arrange for an interview. She expects the segment to air next week on “Edition” (at 10:35 p.m. on KSAT).

Meantime, will “The Price is Right” host start wearing protective gear to guard against any future threats to sensitive areas? Tune in Monday and find out.